Cape building fire shuts lights out on soccer field

The state fire marshal is investigating after someone set a Cape Coral building on fire. It happened on Monday night at the Cape Coral Sports complex.

The bathroom and concession stand facility went up in flames in the early evening. After the fire was out and the investigation was over, the fire marshal determined it was arson.

"I'm just very, very upset that somebody would do something like this," said Michelle Meginley, whose children play soccer at the park.

Investigators say the fire started in the men's bathroom, but spread through most of the building. An electrical panel was also damaged in the fire, which means the complex's field lights are out for the time being.

"It affects their ability to come out and play, so it's really sad," said Acie Forrer, an assistant coach and board member for the Cape Coral Soccer Association.

It's already affecting those who use these fields. On Tuesday night, youth soccer tryouts were moved up an hour, so it wouldn't get too dark.

"Why somebody would do this to such a great soccer complex is horrible," said 11-year-old soccer player Morgan Ferrer.

On Tuesday, city workers were out at the complex inspecting the structure. The city couldn't provide a dollar figure just yet for the damage, but we're told they might need to rebuild, which could take months.

For now, the existing building has been deemed unsafe and off limits.

Meginley said, "No one should ever do something like this. They're not just hurting a small group, they're hurting the entire city."